Contrary to what you may remember from your childhood, keeping your eyes healthy requires more than just eating a carrot a day. Lifestyle changes, dietary changes, routine eye exams and careful monitoring of your health are required for good eyesight. In fact, many eye diseases that lead to blindness and poor vision are preventable. Proper eye health begins with establishing a relationship with a licensed physician and eye care specialist.
Step 1
Visit your eye doctor for an annual exam. The Indiana University School of Optometry reveals that an annual eye exam can help detect changes in the eye that signal certain health conditions. Early detection can help diagnose medical conditions that cause severe damage to your eyes.
Step 2
Monitor your glucose if you have diabetes. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) explains that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to problems with your retinas, optic nerves, lenses and vitreous. If you have a diabetes diagnosis, follow your physician's recommendations when it comes to handling your diabetes.
Step 3
Wear eye protection whenever necessary. According the University of Florida-IFAS, eye protection in the form of goggles or face shields, help to prevent damage to the eye from flying objects, debris and chemical exposure. Wearing eye protection whenever you are engaging in recreational activities or work-related activities that expose your eyes to such dangers will protect your eyes and potentially save your sight.
Step 4
Eat healthy by incorporating citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables into your diet. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, eye health is dependent on a healthy diet, high in antioxidants, lutein, vitamin C and the bioflavonoid zeaxanthin. Omega-6 fatty acids can also help to sustain healthy eyes.
Step 5
Quit smoking. Wright State University reports that smoking increases a person's risk of developing cataracts. The smoking habit can also increase your chances of developing a condition known as AMD (age-related macular degeneration). AMD often results in irreversible vision loss.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are a contact lens wearer, remember to wash your hands before handling your contacts to avoid infection. Always follow your eye doctor's recommendations when it comes to the insertion, removal and cleaning of your contact lenses. Doing so will keep your eyes healthy and prevent eye damage. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Overexposure to the sun's rays can lead to cataracts down the road.
- If you get debris or chemicals in your eyes, flush them immediately with an eyewash solution for at least 15 minutes. Even if you feel that the flush has relieved you of your discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. Even the slightest eye injury can be serious and warrants a doctor's evaluation.
References
- The Indiana University School of Optometry: Eye Examination
- University of Florida-IFAS: Protect the Eyes From Harm
- The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC): Prevent Diabetes Problems
- Wright State University: Effects of Smoking on Vision
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Eating for Healthy Eyes
